Hyperpigmentation and higher incidence of cutaneous malignancies in moderate-high PCB- and dioxin exposed individuals

Leijs, MM; Esser, A; Amann, PM; Schettgen, T; Gube, M; Merk, HF; Kraus, T; Baron, JM

HERO ID

5883168

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2018

Language

English

PMID

29501832

HERO ID 5883168
In Press No
Year 2018
Title Hyperpigmentation and higher incidence of cutaneous malignancies in moderate-high PCB- and dioxin exposed individuals
Authors Leijs, MM; Esser, A; Amann, PM; Schettgen, T; Gube, M; Merk, HF; Kraus, T; Baron, JM
Journal Environmental Research
Volume 164
Page Numbers 221-228
Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are well known persistent and toxic environmental pollutants. Our aim was to identify effects of moderate-high exposure to dioxin-like (dl) and non-dioxin-like (ndl)-PCBs on the skin in order to provide more insight in the pathophysiological effects of these compounds. We performed a dermatological examination on 92 former workers from a transformer recycling company with known elevated serum PCB and/or dioxin (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furan (PCDD/F)) levels. In addition, we performed a skin cancer screening over a period of seven years (2010-2016) on resp. 268, 271, 210, 149, 92, 129 and 79 participants. We found a higher incidence of acne and malignancies of the skin (malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and mycosis fungoides) in the workers compared to normal population. The probability of having hyperpigmentation on the skin was statistically significantly higher in workers with higher sumPCBs- (OR:1.09(1.12-2.17)), dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs- (OR:1.56(1.12-2.17)) and dioxin (PCDD/Fs) (OR:1.09(1.02-1.16)) levels. Age was a confounding factor in this model. Formation of hyperpigmentation could be an indicator for (moderate-high) exposure to toxic compounds like PCBs. The higher incidence of cutaneous malignancies found in the workers might be associated with PCB- and dioxin exposure, warranting further investigation on larger cohorts.
Doi 10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.002
Pmid 29501832
Wosid WOS:000431387100029
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English